Bilder Gerhard Mercator (1512–1594) – Map of Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata – Italy – Engraving (1633)

Beskrivning

"Puglia Piana, Terra di Bari, Terra di Otranto, Calabria et Basilicata" provides a detailed topographical representation of the southeastern regions of Italy, encompassing the heel and toe of the Italian peninsula. The map illustrates the coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, identifying numerous coastal towns, mountain ranges, and regional boundaries. This engraving is from the Mercator-Hondius Atlas, which was published by Henricus Hondius and Jan Janssonius in Amsterdam. The composition is decorated with an elaborate baroque title cartouche and elegant cursive calligraphy in the Gulf of Venice, representing the refined aesthetic of seventeenth-century Dutch cartography.

Gerhard Mercator was a pioneering Flemish cartographer and geographer who transformed the field of mapmaking during the Renaissance. He is most famous for developing the Mercator projection, which revolutionized maritime navigation by allowing sailors to plot courses as straight lines. Mercator was the first to compile a systematic collection of maps under the title "Atlas," a project that was expanded and popularized by Jodocus Hondius and his successors. His work combined scientific rigor with artistic elegance, setting the standard for geographical accuracy for centuries. He remains a foundational figure in the history of science and the development of modern global geography.

Artist or Maker:
Gerhard Mercator.

Dimensions:
Approximately 58 cm x 48 cm.

Medium:
Engraving.

Date:
1633.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.